Spring Pitch Competition
ABOUT THE SPRING PITCH COMPETITION
The John S. And Marlene J. Brinzo Center For Entrepreneurship hosts an annual pitch competition to help grow and nurture student startups within the Ambassador Crawford College's entrepreneurship program each spring. All KSU majors are welcome to apply either individually or as a team. Students are selected using the following criteria:
- Business model (market, customer, revenue model, past sales or growth potential)
- Competitive positioning within the market
- Originality/Innovation
Once selected, the finalists participate in a mentorship program to prepare for the live pitch event. Nearly $20,000 is awarded at the live Spring Pitch Competition, held annually in April.
Congratulations to the 2025 Spring Pitch Winners:
- 1st Place: Zoe Noel - Zonuts and Lattes
- 2nd Place: Aaron Rombach - Romby Innovations
- 3rd Place: Angelique Wong - Angie's
- Promising Idea Award: Nat Foote - Saint Pierre
THE FINALISTS
Angie’s is a catering and dessert company that specializes in charcuterie displays that double as one-of-a-kind, interactive centerpieces for any occasion. I specialize in crafting stunning grazing tables, brownie bars, elegant dessert spreads, and themed displays for any occasion. I also offer beautifully curated favor boxes, boards and engaging social classes where guests can learn the art of charcuterie.
About Angelique
"I'm the founder of Societal Heights Marketing Agency, specializing in digital marketing strategies and management, and Angie’s Sweets and Treats, an artisanal dining experience through charcuterie and desserts. I currently work as the Office and Marketing Manager at Tangier Catering, utilizing my expertise in digital marketing, brand strategy, and business development to enhance the experiences of weddings and private events."
Big Fella Flavors is a homestyle ranch dressing company dedicated to bold, rich flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Crafted for those who love a thick, flavorful dip, our ranch is perfect for wings, salads, and everything in between. Elevate your meals with the big taste of Big Fella Flavors.
About Cole
"My name is Cole Stanley, and I am a senior studying entrepreneurship at Kent State University. I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends, and exploring new business ideas. I am passionate about innovation and hard work, and I am always looking for opportunities to grow, learn, and make an impact in both business and life."
Romby Innovations leverages additive manufacturing with 3D printing to design and develop innovative products across various industries. Focused on problem-solving through design and technology, Romby Innovations creates practical solutions to keep small, easily lost items like pencils, markers, and PPE secure and accessible at all times for those in the construction industry.
About Aaron
"I'm the founder of Romby Innovations, where I develop innovative products across various industries. I earned a bachelor's degree in architecture with a minor in construction management from Kent State University, and I'm pursuing a Master of Science in Architecture at Kent State. An inventor at heart, I blend design and technology to create meaningful solutions for real-world challenges."
Saint Pierre is an apparel company focused on the wholesale distribution of contemporary menswear and blank garments to businesses. Our target consumers are 18-35 year old men and boutiques, as well as businesses who prioritize merchandise with contemporary silhouettes and timeless aesthetics. We want Saint Pierre on every shelf, in every business across America!
About Nat
"Throughout my 20s, I have gained experience across a wide range of professions. I struggled to pinpoint just one path because my interests are so varied – cooking, travel, film and music. One constant though, is my passion for business and competition. I have always loved building ideas, and the power of working with a team. Business isn’t just the backbone of our country; it’s where I thrive, where creativity is critical, but execution is everything."
WanderLust Remedies is a handmade, all-natural self-care brand dedicated to nourishing both you and the planet. From soaps and moisturizers to body scrubs and lip balms, every product is crafted with care and sustainability in mind. Elevate your self-care routine with nature-inspired remedies made just for you.
About Kay
"I'm Kay Strahler, a senior entrepreneurship major from Marietta, Ohio. I have always had the entrepreneurial gene – from selling slime (and getting it banned in middle school) to now owning and operating my first business. I am passionate about turning ideas into reality and am constantly looking for new opportunities to grow and innovate."
Zonuts and Lattes is a mobile food trailer that specializes in fresh donuts and specialty coffee. We have a rotating menu that changes weekly on top of a consistent menu. Our donuts are fresh and never more than a couple of hours old. We offer catering if you would prefer to not have our physical food trailer there.
About Zoe
"My name is Zoe Noel and I am currently a junior at Kent State University majoring in marketing. I came into my freshman year as a sophomore due to College Credit Plus. I opened a food trailer last May and work primarily on the weekends. My consistent hard work keeps me motivated. "
The Judges
Joelle is the Co-Founder, President & CEO of Leading EDJE. She started Leading EDJE to provide comprehensive and integrated IT consulting services. Before that, Joelle spent 14 years with Software Architects (SARK), building a local practice while starting and supporting 11 other offices nationally. Prior to the IT industry, she was a field reporter and on-air radio personality. Joelle is board member of First Merchants Bank and board president of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) Columbus chapter.
Julie is the current Managing Director at Capellas Partners. She helps companies develop and test actionable plans for their target markets including product roadmaps, baseline operations and go-to-market strategies and translate those into simple messages and effective communication.
Julie is a 20-year advertising and retail professional. With an extensive agency background, Julie has a depth of knowledge around traditional, digital and social marketing as well as public relations, business-to-business and retail sales. She has been honored by Walmart and Costco as a Supplier of the Year, as well as a finalist in the Path to Purchase Design of the Times and Effie awards.
Julie graduated from American University with a B.A. and M.A. in Public Communications.
Michael D. Solomon began his career in Columbus, Ohio where he worked with Apple Computer to set up their original dealer network when they were a $100 million company until 1985, then moved to Seattle where he ran sales and marketing for Aldus Corp, which created Desktop Publishing, then moved to California in 1990 and worked in Silicon Valley as an executive, Venture Capitalist, entrepreneur, Board member and advisor ever since. He recently served as the Board Chairman of Within 3 Corporation, a Cleveland-based medical industry software company from 2010 to its successful take out financing with Insight Partners, a leading private equity firm in 2020. Michael is currently involved in three exciting new ventures in California and Colorado. He recently graduated from the Academy of Intuition Medicine with a Masters of Intuition Medicine Degree. Michael was a member of the Kent State Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2020, the Foundation Board from 2004 to 2011 and endowed the Michael D. Solomon Entrepreneurial Speaker Series in 2002, the Jerry M. Lewis speaker series in 2022, and the Alan Canfora scholarship program in Activism in 2021. He graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1974.
ABOUT THE BRINZO CENTER
The John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship immerses students in entrepreneurship education and experiences, advances entrepreneurial research and nurtures regional outreach.
CONTACT US
Linda Hale - Marketing Manager of The Brinzo Center
Phone: 330-672-7890
Email: lhale9@kent.edu
Shawn Rohlin Ph.D. - Director of The Brinzo Center, Professor of Economics
Phone: 330-672-1098
Email: srohlin@kent.edu
Nick Petrella - Entrepreneur in Residence
Phone: 330-672-5826
Email: npetrel3@kent.edu